Laser in situ keratomileusis to correct residual myopia and astigmatism after radial keratotomy

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusi s (LASIK) in selected post-radial-keratotomy (RK) eyes with residual myopia and astigmatism. Setting: TLC-The Brea Laser Eye Center, Brea, California, USA. Methods: Nine eyes of 6 patients who had had RK but had residual myopia and /or astigmatism had LASIK. All RK eyes had 8 radial incisions, were more th an 1 year post-RK, had no epithelial inclusion cysts or corneal disease, an d had had no subsequent ocular surgery. Follow-up was a minimum of 13 month s, at which time uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual ac uity (BCVA), manifest refraction, cycloplegic refraction, keratometry, cent ral and peripheral pachymetries, intraocular pressure, and a subjective ass essment of visual function were obtained. Results: At the last follow-up, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -0.1 56 diopter (D) +/- 0.174 (SD). All eyes treated for distance vision had a U CVA of 20/25 or better. No patient lost BCVA. No intraoperative or postoper ative complications occurred. Seven eyes had morning and evening measuremen ts. The mean change in manifest SE from morning to evening was -0.143 D. Si x of the 7 eyes (86%) had 0 to 1 Snellen line change in UCVA from morning t o evening. The subjective questionnaire revealed a high degree of satisfact ion with overall vision, minimal glare, and less fluctuation in daily visio n than before LASIK. Conclusion: Laser in situ keratomileusis is safe and efficacious for reduci ng residual myopia and astigmatism in properly selected RK patients. J Cata ract Refract Surg 2000; 26:1152-1157 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.